Mark 11:1-11

In this week’s reading of the Gospel of Mark, Mark 11:1-11 describes Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, a significant event that marks the beginning of the Passion Week. Here are the key points:

1. Preparation for the Entry (Verses 1-3):

   • Jesus and His disciples approached Jerusalem, arriving at Bethphage and Bethany near the Mount of Olives.

   • Jesus sent two of His disciples to a nearby village to find a colt (a young donkey) that had never been ridden, instructing them to bring it to Him.

   • He told them what to say if anyone questioned their actions: "The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly."

2. The Disciples Fetch the Colt (Verses 4-6):

   • The disciples found the colt as Jesus had described and brought it to Him after explaining their actions to the people who questioned them.

3. Jesus Rides into Jerusalem (Verses 7-8):

   • The disciples placed their cloaks on the colt, and Jesus sat on it.

   • Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread leafy branches they had cut from the fields. This act symbolized honor and reverence, similar to how people would greet a king.

4. The Crowd’s Acclamation (Verses 9-10):

   • The crowd shouted, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!"

   • "Hosanna" is a Hebrew expression meaning "save us now," and the crowd's chant acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah, the one who comes in the name of the Lord.

5. Jesus at the Temple (Verse 11):

   • Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple. After looking around at everything, He left the city for Bethany with the Twelve because it was already late.

   • This verse sets the stage for the subsequent events in the temple, including the cleansing of the temple the following day.

This passage is significant because it fulfills Old Testament prophecy (Zechariah 9:9) and symbolizes Jesus’ peaceful yet kingly entry, contrasting the expectations of a conquering military Messiah. This event supports why I believe Jesus would oppose the idea of Christian nationalism that we are seeing so heavily supported by many believers today. Jesus frequently spoke about the Kingdom of God, which is not tied to any earthly nation or political power (John 18:36). He refused to be made king by force and avoided political entanglements, emphasizing that His mission was spiritual rather than political. Christian nationalists often seek to merge religious identity with national identity, potentially distorting the nature of God's kingdom as Jesus taught it.

Jesus warned against the misuse of power and the dangers of hypocrisy, especially by religious leaders (Matthew 23). Christian nationalism, with its focus on political power, can sometimes lead to the use of religion as a tool for political gain, which is at odds with Jesus’ warnings against using faith for self-serving purposes. Jesus preached peace and reconciliation, calling His followers to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). Nationalism, when tied to religion, can sometimes foster division, conflict, or even violence against those seen as outsiders or enemies. This would contrast sharply with Jesus’ teachings on loving one’s neighbor and seeking peace.

Given these teachings and our scripture this week, it’s unlikely that Jesus would support any ideology, including Christian nationalism, that seeks to prioritize one nation, ethnicity, or political agenda over the universal and inclusive nature of His message.

In God’s grip,

Pastor Chuck Church

If you are reading the Gospel of Mark with Pastor Chuck this year, below is a short and simple guide to doing so for this week:

Prayer: Heavenly Father, your words expose my innermost thoughts and desires. I am an open book before you when I read your book. May your truths work as I read of your holiness, truth, and love. May the power of your word be known in my life so that I might genuinely have the abundant life you came to give.  Amen.

Read: Mark 11:1-11

Questions to guide your thinking:

1. How does the humility of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on a donkey contrast with the often triumphant and forceful nature of nationalism, including Christian nationalism?

2. In what ways does the crowd's misunderstanding of Jesus' mission reflect the potential dangers of conflating religious expectations with political or nationalistic ambitions?

3. How does the concept of the Kingdom of God, as demonstrated in Jesus' actions and teachings, differ from the goals of Christian nationalism?

4. What can we learn from the fact that Jesus did not seek to establish a political kingdom or align with any political movement during His time on earth?

5. How might Jesus' actions in Mark 11:1-11 guide Christians in balancing their national identity with their primary allegiance to the teachings and mission of Christ?